PH's first cancer-centered hospital opens

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday led the inauguration of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) in Taguig, the first cancer-centered facility in the country.

«The opening of HCCH will go a long way in improving access to quality cancer care for many Filipinos,» Marcos said.

The hospital touts a full range of equipment and services to treat cancer, which range from radiation oncology, to surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care.

«With the help of HCCH we can revolutionize the cancer care service industry in the Philippines through modern state-of-the-art equipment coupled with leading medical professionals,» the president added.

Citing data from the Department of Health (DOH), Marcos said cancer is now third in mortality rate among Filipinos and urged the public to get regular check ups to detect possible risk of cancer early.

Last year, the DOH implemented the cancer assistance fund which covers outpatient and inpatient services, including but not limited to diagnostics, therapeutic procedures, medicines, treatment and management services, and other care-related components of cancer.

The fund was designed to complement existing financial support mechanisms in public and private facilities.

The HCCH opened under a partnership of the local government of Taguig, the DOH, and Ayala Corp. Health.